The, gray dreary, sky's seemed very fitting for the occasion, An outward manifestation of the sadness felt by the kingdom's loss. The loss of a great hero to some, a great friend to others, and the only remaining family to one...
Luigi walked softly to where the, polished oak, coffin containing his departed brother, lay just ahead.
The funeral had been over for some time but the coffin had yet to be lowered into the ground. Out of respect for the one remaining hero, he would be alone to make his peace, without the prying eyes of the Mushroom Kingdom paparazzi.
Pride would not allow him to be seen in such a state by the public.
Each step became more excruciating than the last as he made his way to the casket. A blanket of Beautiful black roses was draped over the coffin, only adding to the saddening fact that this was all really happening... That Mario was gone.
Luigi stopped just inches shy of Mario's, soon to be final resting-place. He swallowed hard, as he stepped forward. He ran a bare hand over the, cool smooth, surface of the box. He slowly lifted the upper half of the casket. Suppressing a small sniffle as Mario's face came to view. No tears just a sniff here and there. He wouldn't allow himself to cry.
He looked so peaceful, so...not dead. But of course he was dead. Clearing his throat, he began to speak a few words in Italian.
A rarity it was indeed to hear the younger Mario speak Italian.
He'd left the country at a young age and his pronunciation of the language was poor because of it.
:::Mario, you're always saying I don't speak enough Italian. Well brother I'm speaking it now.:::
Luigi took something from his back pocket. The item was wrapped once in a white cloth.
:::I brought you something, I know you'll like it.::: A sniffle escaped him as he unwrapped the gift. Luigi folded back the pallid fabric reveling a crimson cap with the letter M embroidered on it. It was Mario's favorite possession in life.
:::I know you Mario Mario, I know you wouldn't want to be separated from this...::: Luigi's voice quavered slightly at the word separate. He placed the beloved cap on Mario's chest.
:::I got one more thing for you...::: He removed his own hat, the emerald cap took its place next to the red one.
:::They're a matched set one can't be without the other. So now they will be together always.::: The clear warm liquid forming in Luigi's eyes begged to be released. But he forbade it.
:::Goodbye, brother...I will love and miss you always::: He said not barely above a whisper.
A soft rolling thunder could be heard in the distance as slight drizzle began. Luigi closed the casket to keep Mario from getting wet. The pain in his heart infected his whole body. No part of his being didn't ach. He'd never felt so lost, afraid, and alone in his life.
A dainty hand placed on his shoulder made him turn around. He stood there looking into the sapphire blue eyes of the Sarasaland princess, Daisy. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out a week sob. Wordlessly she moved towards Luigi and held him close, almost cradling him like a mother would a child.
Luigi lost all composure and cried onto her shoulder. She didn't make a sound, her silence being more comforting than any words that she could offer.
"It's not fair..." He whispered as he untangling himself from Daisy.
Daisy used her thumb to wipe some tears from the saddened hero's eyes, a futile action as new ones quickly replaced them.
"Do they know who did this?" Daisy obviously hadn't heard yet.
a strangled took hold of Luigi's face as if he wanted to say something but couldn't get the words out. He stepped away from Daisy, and nodded.
"They will pay dearly for what they did." Luigi had been self-assigned with the task of bring in the killer so they could stand trial.
"Who is... They?"
Luigi made a choking sound before spiting out the name, "Princess Peach Toadstool" venomously.
Daisy's silk glove went to her mouth.
"No..." she gasped.
"Why?"
"No one knows, but when I find her she's sure as hell going to tell me!" Daisy jumped as a loud crash of thunder sounded through the heavens. The blackness of the sky seemed to equal the dark appearance distorting Luigi's, normally, kind features. His whole demeanor had changed in an instant. No longer sad and subdued, hatred and rage filled his voice.
"You won't do something you'll regret latter, when you find her will you?"
"I will regret nothing" He replied coldly as he looked back at the coffin.
"I have to go..." He reach for her hand and gave it a little kiss, before leaving the, fair, Princess Daisy alone. She watched him walk through the gates of the "Mushroom Memorial Cemetery" then back at the coffin holding Mario. only one thought crossed her mind
... Why did she do it...
Luigi: *lip quivers* Marioooooooo *sob*
Mario: What?
Luigi: *continues sobbing in front of PC monitor where "Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom" is playing*
Mario: *sigh* Jes... didn't I tell you NOT to let him watch that?!
Luigi: Mario why did you have to die?!
Mario: I'm not dead you idiot!
Luigi: *sniffle* I - I can almost still hear him, it's like he's saying "Luigi, do not be sad we're always together in heart if not physically!" *looks teary eyed*
Mario: I'm not dead!
Jes: Sure ya are Mario *grins and restarts "RotMK"* Hey Weegie look what's on VGdirecters cut!
Luigi: *lip quivers* Marioooooooo *sob*
Jes: I could do this all day. ;P